PRESENTING THE PAST - Paige Bueckers x Nika Muhl, Diana Taurasi x Sue Bird

PROLOGUE

"Alright, honey! But you have to be home by 9:00 PM so you have enough time to rest. We'll be visiting your school tomorrow," Sue sweetly reminds her daughter, wiping the kitchen sink.

"Yes, Mom. I'll be home by 9:00 PM. We're just going to eat and maybe walk around a little. What time are we leaving tomorrow?" her daughter asks politely. Her gentle, sweet tone reveals how well-loved and well-raised she is.

"Maybe around 7:30, so we can tour a bit. We still have some errands to do after, sweetheart," Sue responds, finishing up cleaning the countertop. She loves keeping their home clean, almost as much as she loves basketball, for herself and her daughter.

"Home by 9:00, leave at 7:30 tomorrow. Got it! Love you, Mom!" she says sweetly, making Sue's heart flutter, a feeling she always has for her beloved daughter.

"I love you, Nika. Drive safely, baby," Sue says before ending the call. She looks at a photo of Nika in their living room, where she has everything about her daughter displayed.

From Nika's first day in daycare to an empty picture frame ready for her first day of college, Sue touches each frame, remembering how she cries every year she sends her off.

Time flies so fast, she thinks.

Her hand finds its way to Nika's medals and trophies, symbols of her daughter's talent and academic brilliance. Sue chuckles at herself, considering she struggles with basic math, while Nika is a math wizard.

Above all, Nika is Sue Bird's only child, and basketball runs in the blood. Her rising star. Sue can't wait to take her back to where it all started for her.

"I need my coffee," Diana says, grabbing a coffee mug. She had a long day yesterday with so much to do and is hoping for a better one today.

She looks at the clock; it's almost 5:00 AM, still dark outside. She shakes her head lightly, feeling exhausted but wide awake.

As she reads the papers she brought downstairs, coffee in hand, a clicking sound diverts her gaze to the main door.

It's moving, like someone's opening it from the outside. Diana stands and turns off the dining room lights. The door opens, and a careful Paige Madison enters.

Paige is about to tiptoe upstairs when Diana turns the lights on.

"Where have you been?" Diana asks immediately. Paige freezes in her tracks. "Do you know what time it is?" Diana asks again. Paige just looks down and adjusts her clothes before responding.

"It's 4:47, Mom. I'm sorry," she says, eyes downcast, feeling Diana walk closer.

"Paige, did you go to the party I told you not to?" Diana asks. Paige nods slightly. "I seriously don't know what to do with you anymore," Diana says, rubbing her forehead. A headache is not how she wants to start her day.

"I'm sorry," Paige whispers, still looking down. She knows her actions are indefensible, and nothing she says will change her mother's mind.

"You're really not going to learn your lesson, are you?" Diana's eyes meet hers. "Go to your room. Shower and get ready. We're going somewhere."

"Mom?" Paige asks.

"No more questions, Paige Madison. Go."